From Rio to Paraty: Beaches, Nature & Culture

Full-Day Corcovado and Sugar Loaf

Depart from the hotel after breakfast to visit the most famous landmarks of the city and see the natural beauty of Rio de Janeiro from up above. Over a million tourists each year visit the world famous ‘Pão de Açúcar’, (Sugar Loaf Mountain), which has become an iconic symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Rising up from a small peninsula at the entrance of Guanabara Bay, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of a concentrated, refined sugar loaf. The journey to the top is made in glass cable-cars. The first cable-car takes passengers to the top of Urca Hill, which rises 215 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views of the entire bay and its surrounding islands.

From Urca Hill, passengers continue in a second cable-car to the top of Sugar Loaf which rises 395 meters above sea level and offers a 360 degree view of the entire city including Botafogo and Copacabana Beaches, Corcovado Mountain and downtown Rio de Janeiro. Afterwards, descend the mountain and stop for a delicious lunch.

From there passengers will be taken to the bottom of the Corcovado Hill. Embark on a comfortable train that ascends the mountain, where the statue of Christ the Redeemer is located 2,300 ft above sea level. The Christ statue, known as the “wonder of Rio””, was elected one of the 7 “New Wonders of the World”. Upon arrival at the top, guests can use the panoramic elevators or escalators to arrive at the foot of the statute. There, passengers can enjoy a panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro and discover why it is called the “Marvelous City”.

Finally, we will take you back to your hotel.

Welcome to Pousada Naturalia!

At the indicated time, you will be transferred from Rio de Janeiro to Angra dos Reis in an air-conditioned vehicle, where you will board a ferry or speedboat to Vila do Abraão, on Ilha Grande (approximate duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes).

Upon arrival, you will walk to Pousada Naturalia, located in Praia do Canto. There, a guide will show you the main points of the village, such as restaurants, bars, internet facilities, post office, and diving operators.

Surrounded by the Atlantic Forest and in a privileged beachfront location, the pousada offers unique views of Abraão Bay or the peaceful forest from the balcony of each room.

You will have the rest of the day free to enjoy the island at your own pace.

Lopez Mendez Beach

After breakfast, you will take a schooner from the Vila do Abraão pier to Praia do Pouso (approximately 45 minutes). The departure time will be informed by the guide. This excursion is self-guided and does not include guide assistance during the tour.

From Praia do Pouso, you will begin an approximately 1-hour hike along trails with uphill and downhill sections until reaching the paradisiacal Lopes Mendes Beach. Lopes Mendes is an almost untouched ocean beach stretching for approximately 3 km. There, you will find plenty of shade, soft white sand, and crystal-clear waters with stunning colors. Frequently listed among the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, it is located within the Ilha Grande State Park, an environmentally protected area.

You will have free time to relax, swim, and enjoy the beach. We recommend bringing water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a swimsuit.

Upon returning to the pousada, you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

Farewell Pousada Naturalia

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have the morning free to enjoy the island.

At the indicated time, you will take a ferry from Ilha Grande to Angra dos Reis, where you will board a transfer to Rio de Janeiro.

Arrival and departure transfer schedules will be informed upon booking.

Transfer Rio de Janeiro Hotel / Paraty Hotel

At the scheduled time, a transfer will take you to Paraty.

Paraty is a historic coastal town located between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture and beautiful natural surroundings. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it combines cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and a rich cultural heritage with easy access to islands, beaches, and the lush Atlantic Forest.

Walking Tour Around the City

Your local guide will take you back in time to the Portuguese discovery of Brazil and will tell you all about how Paraty developed through the sugar, gold and coffee economic booms.

You will see how Paraty is quite different from all the other colonial cities in Brazil. Its architecture is unique with original 18th-century characteristics. This is a great tour for people looking to film and take photos of Paraty’s lovely colonial buildings.

Half Day Schooner Cruise with lunch

Paraty is home to more than 65 islands and hundreds of uniquely beautiful beaches. With calm, crystal-clear waters, they are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, all surrounded by lush vegetation that creates a peaceful and unforgettable setting.

On this excursion, you will board a traditional schooner and sail to some of the most beautiful beaches and islands in Paraty Bay, all framed by dense tropical rainforest. After about 40 minutes of navigation, the schooner will make three stops of approximately one hour each, giving you time to relax in the sun, swim, and snorkel.

While the exact locations may vary depending on weather conditions and to avoid crowds, the itinerary usually includes islands such as Comprida, Algodão, Cotia, and Praia Vermelha, as well as beaches like Lulas and Saco da Velha, among others. Lunch will be served on board.

Transfer Paraty Hotel / Rio de Janeiro Hotel

At the specified time, you will be transferred to your hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

While this journey offers a wonderful introduction to Brazil’s Costa Verde, South America has so much more to explore. Consider extending your adventure to destinations such as Iguazú Falls, Patagonia, the Atacama Desert, Machu Picchu, or the vineyards of Mendoza. Our travel specialists will be happy to help you design the perfect continuation of your South American journey.